Hell Gate Walking Tour

Delve into off-the-beaten-path NYC history on the Hell Gate walking tour!

Explore the treacherous waters of Hell Gate, a notorious one-mile stretch of the East River—between Manhattan and Astoria, Queens—that has claimed countless ships with its deadly currents, jagged reefs, and legendary whirlpools. As you journey along Randall’s Island, uncover the fascinating and often eerie stories of the surrounding islands—Wards, Roosevelt, Rikers, and North & South Brother.

Tour Highlights

• Hell Gate’s Perilous Waters – Learn how whirlpools, hidden rocks, and shifting tides made this passage one of the most feared by sailors
• The Plot to Blow Up Hell Gate Bridge – Unravel the secrets of a shocking conspiracy tied to one of New York’s most iconic bridges.
• River Pirates & Outlaws – Step into the world of 19th-century river pirates who prowled the Hell Gate islands, preying on passing ships
• Explosions & Tragedy – Relive the catastrophic Hell Gate detonations and the tragic General Slocum disaster that changed New York forever
• Lost & Forbidden Places – Get a rare glimpse of the crumbling quarantine ruins of North Brother Island and the imposing jail complex of Rikers Island